The University of Pune (UoP) has got a pat on the back from the Confederation of Indian Industry,in its report on teacher educators and the manner in which they train teachers. The report that severely criticises almost all teacher training courses,has a word of praise for UoP for introducing e-culture in teacher training.

The report released by MoS for HRD,Shashi Tharoor,in New Delhi last week,is a critical analysis of the current teacher educator profile and competencies in India.

The report comes down heavily on the inability of universities to modify the curriculum regularly. Most universities carry out curriculum review every two years. The frequency of curriculum modification varies across institutions. The process entails changes in certain sections,including addition,deletion,or redesigning to align with an available teaching slot. Major revamp of the curriculum does not happen very often, states the report.

Putting the blame for it on administrative bottlenecks,the report states,According to 90 per cent teacher trainers,it was not possible to change or modify the core syllabus due to administrative issues. The process (of changing the syllabus) is long drawn. These factors constrain the whole process of curriculum change.

In comparison to this,Pune university revised both BEd and MEd syllabi in 2008 to integrate use of ICT (Integrated Computer Technology) in teacher education. They tweaked a few existing sections to integrate these modules,and modified the evaluation mechanism accordingly, states the report. The revision of syllabus came after an extensive training on use of technology for teacher training, said Sanjeev Sonawane,Dean,Faculty of Education,UoP.

A separate case study was also conducted on UoP on its development of e-culture in teachers training. In 2002,ICT was made a compulsory component of the BEd curriculum. In 2005 and in 2010,the university reviewed and revised the curriculum to include modules on project-based approach to make the course experiential for teachers training. They are trained in using office applications,internet search engines,photo editor for research,analysis and documentation. This initiative has significantly increased classroom interaction and led to enhancement of teaching and learning, states the report praising UoP.

The report is a statement that our university is producing some of the best teachers. We have been continuously working to revamp the teachers training section and this report is the result of our efforts, said Sonawane.